Michelle Alford

The public hearing addressed an application by Deltona Corporation proposing to amend the future land use map, LDC atlas map, and revise an existing sub-area plan. This application seeks to expand the current industrial sub-area plan by approximately 798.6 acres, totaling 1,356 acres, changing future land use designations from multiple residential to industrial heavy industrial. The presentation detailed the site location relative to County Road 491 and US41, discussed the project's 10-year history including its 2019 certification as a ready site, and highlighted recent state grant funding for wastewater infrastructure installation. The discussion also covered natural features like tree cover, flood plains associated with former mine pits, and the existing conceptual site plan allowances which include commercial uses, workforce housing, and preservation areas.

Key discussions centered on a conceptual plan for an industrial and/or commercial park rezoning application. Commissioners raised concerns regarding the 10-year useful life assumption for facilities, the lack of specific capacity details for adjacent potable water and sanitary sewer utilities, and concurrency requirements for future end-users. Other concerns included the environmental impact, noise mitigation, and the process for future specific end-user approvals, such as data centers. The proponent discussed mitigation efforts, including a closed-loop system proposal for water usage and a commitment from the developer to fund necessary utility upgrades. The role of a $2.8 million state grant intended for job creation was also discussed in relation to the proposed data center use.

The meeting began with opening remarks, prayer by Pastor Dale Gerardan, and a pledge of allegiance led by Chief Petty Officer Kathy Nielsen. The board acknowledged the recent passing of former Senator Dean Charlie Dean and Alida Langley. Agenda modifications were discussed, including the addition of an item regarding countywide burn ban status (E5) and federal community projects funding requests (E6). An additional item concerning a scheduled meeting between the board and County Attorney Denise Diamond Lin was also added. Proclamations were made for Newspaper and Education Week (March 2nd through 6th, 2026) and Irish American Heritage Month (March 2026). National Engineers Week (February 22nd through 28th, 2026) was also recognized, with a representative from the Florida Engineering Society sharing information about community outreach, including math counts events and an engineering day. During public comment, a resident expressed concerns regarding a rezoning application for a data center in Holder Business Park, citing risks associated with proceeding without an updated comprehensive plan and potential impacts of on-site power generation.

The event marked the official welcoming of Pirates Cove into the Citrus County Park system, ensuring the 3.6 acres of untouched, rugged, and serene landscape remain natural forever and will never be developed or paved over. This acquisition brings the total preserved county-owned park land to 673 acres. The success of the project was attributed to the collaboration of champions, philanthropists, and public servants, ensuring the area remains a permanent part of the county's heritage.

The meeting commenced with the administration of the Oath of Office for reappointed and newly appointed members. Following the roll call, the board proceeded to nominate and vote on a Chair and Vice Chair, which carried despite some opposed votes. The approval of the minutes from the December 2nd meeting was conducted, with one member abstaining as they were not present for that prior meeting. A significant portion of the meeting involved a discussion concerning library book displays, prompted by concerns regarding viewpoint discrimination and an imbalance in conservative voices versus other viewpoints displayed. The board moved to discuss the H1 book display item before the open-to-the-public segment to ensure all members had necessary information. Discussion clarified that staff had already adjusted displays based on prior input, which was viewed positively, although concerns about due process and immediately escalating issues to the board level were raised.